Towns and cities to celebrate Culture Night

Cultural venues in 30 towns and cities across Ireland are offering free entertainment tonight as part of Culture Night 2011.

The event organised by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust sees galleries, museums, churches and other cultural sites open late so visitors can experience what they have to offer.

Culture Night, which has been running since 2006, offers live performances, tours and workshops in a wide range of areas that organisers say "appeal to all tastes".

Temple Bar Cultural Trust Chief Executive Dermot McLaughlin described Culture Night as "a unique experience packed with fun and atmosphere".

"It's also a reminder of what we have all around us, often on our doorsteps, every day and night of the year. Almost any cultural venue you can think of is open for free on Culture Night.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to introduce young people to the world of culture because every diverse form is showcased in the best possible light.

"This year there are more venues than ever participating with a record 156 venues in Dublin alone."

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan said the event is "one of the highlights of Ireland's cultural events calendar".

For further information on the venues and events planned see www.culturenight.ie

In Northern Ireland, Belfast also celebrated Culture Night.

There were 170 free events at 100 venues across the city, including music gigs, puppet shows and art workshops.

For the first time organisers launched an iPhone app to allow people keep up-to-date with what is going on.

Events also took place in Derry and Strabane.